3 Northport HS Art Students Praised For Creative Talent

NORTHPORT, NY — Three Northport High School students were recognized for their work in fine arts, the Northport-East Northport School District announced.

Senior Benjamin Schlaich was named a 2022-2023 Long Island Scholar Artist by Newsday, while sophomore Katie Gardella and junior Ellie Johnson were each recognized by the Huntington Arts Council for pieces they created.

Schlaich was recognized as a well-rounded and incredibly talented artist. He attends classes at Northport High School and Long Island High School for the Arts. He told Newsday he "loves drawing murals depicting symbols for unity or important historical figures," according to the school district.

He specifically loves drawing 1920s era French composer Maurice Ravel. Schlaich is also a National Arts Honor Society member, president of the Art and Literary Magazine and a member of Port Press, the school’s newspaper.

Junior Ellie Johnson was selected by the Huntington Arts Council to have her oil painting, titled "Oasis," on the cover of its Winter/Spring 2023 issue of Arts Cultural News. The piece will also be featured in the Huntington Arts Council’s prestigious High Arts Showcase next month.

Sophomore Katie Gardella was selected for the juried Flora and Fauna: Allegories of Nature Exhibition at the Huntington Arts Council. Her work, "Field of Blues," is one of only two student works chosen for the show, which includes works by both students and professional artists.